This Spotlight on Sustainability - Energy Use on Farms article in Issue 15 of PotatoLink Magazine explores costs on potato farms, highlights ways to measure it, and lists some practical solutions to optimise usage and reduce costs.

Andrew Tempra from Tempra Bros Pty Ltd, a grower from Manjimup, Western Australia, cultivates 35 hectares of potatoes annually, evenly split between fresh market supply and processing for French fries through WA Chip.

In Issue 15 of PotatoLink magazine, we caught up with Andrew to discuss his practices for improving soil health and potato quality on his farm.

Autonomous technology will change the way we farm; and probably sooner rather than later. With efficiency and sustainability closely linked, the advantages of autonomous robots are hard to ignore. Read more in Issue 15 of PotatoLink Magazine.

By focusing on these biosecurity fundamental practices discussed in Issue 15 of PotatoLink magazine, you can minimise the risk of devastating outbreaks and ensure a sustainable future for potato production.

A new demonstration trial in North Motton, Tasmania focused on optimising fertiliser practices in potatoes by evaluating varying rates, timings (pre-spread, at planting, and top-dress), and approaches (crop sampling and conventional programs) to improve grower profitability and potato marketability.

PotatoLink attended the 2024 World Potato Congress (WPC) in Adelaide, SA and connected with local industry members, international potato experts and growers. In addition to the PotatoLink stand, Regenerative Potato Production panel session, Hort Innovation R&D Forum, the PotatoLink team also presented a poster showcasing the projects extension and communication strategy and its' engagement with growers to enhance soil health, featuring a grower from Queensland. View the poster here.

The rising cost of inputs has growers searching for ways to enhance nutrient use efficiency and understand its impact on pack-out and yield. A previous trial at the PotatoLink demonstration site in Springbank (Victoria) explored how farm practices impact the effectiveness of biologicals, including fungicide application, soil nutrient availability, and fertiliser use. The positive results from that trial, including improvements in tuber size, quantity, and specific gravity, shaped the objectives for this new trial.

Cutting seed potatoes involves four steps: (1) warming seed before cutting, (2) cutting seed potatoes to seed pieces, (3) curing seed pieces, and (4) cooling seed pieces down to a holding temperature. Get a copy of the visual shed poster to assist with best practice and important considerations when cutting seed.